Bsun Light Sakura vs. Outemu Brown
An in-depth look at the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Brown switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When considering mechanical keyboard switches, the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Brown present two distinct experiences tailored to different preferences. The Light Sakura is a linear switch celebrated for its silent operation and ultra-light feel, making it an excellent choice for extended typing sessions in environments where discretion is paramount, such as offices or shared workspaces. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown, being a tactile switch, provides a noticeable feedback bump during key presses, which many typists appreciate for improved typing accuracy and a more engaged experience. This tactile response can be particularly satisfying for gamers and programmers who value both feel and performance. Ultimately, choosing between the Bsun Light Sakura's comfort and quietness and the Outemu Brown's tactile feedback comes down to personal preference and usage context; however, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
37g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
43g
Bottom-out force
65g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.20 mm
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
Ly
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
Plate (3-pin)
Spring
22mm extended spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
Both the Bsun Light Sakura and the Outemu Brown utilize polycarbonate for their top housing, which significantly influences their sound profiles. As noted, polycarbonate is a stiffer plastic that manifests in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound when typing. This similarity in material contributes to a clear and resonant sound during key presses, making both switches appealing for users who prioritize a more pronounced auditory experience. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate housing allows RGB lighting to have a vibrant effect, providing aesthetic enhancement for users who enjoy illuminated keyboards. Given these shared features, users can expect a similar auditory responsiveness when engaging with the top housing of either switch.
In contrast, the bottom housing of these switches starkly differs. The Bsun Light Sakura opts for a polycarbonate material, which again contributes to a clearer sound profile, while the Outemu Brown utilizes nylon. The inclusion of nylon for the Brown's bottom housing leads to a deeper, fuller sound signature because nylon is a softer plastic that absorbs more sound waves, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This distinction plays a crucial role in the overall sound experience, as the bottom housing primarily affects the “bottom-out” sound when a key is fully pressed down. Consequently, while both switches share the same top housing material, they diverge in bottom housing material, impacting the overall acoustic experience in a keyboard setup.
The combination of these materials across the two switches presents a unique opportunity for users to experience varying sound profiles even with similar top housing characteristics. For example, while both switches will deliver a crisp sound due to their polycarbonate tops, the Light Sakura's bottom housing will still maintain that clear resonant quality, whereas the Brown's nylon bottom housing creates a softer and fuller bottom-out sound. Therefore, when users press down on each switch, they'll experience different auditory feedback based on these material differences. This variance enables users to choose switches based on their personal preferences for sound and feel, demonstrating how even slight material contrasts can significantly shape one’s typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch to the Outemu Brown tactile switch, notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces emerge. The Light Sakura has a lighter actuation force of 37 grams and a bottom out force of 43 grams, making it a suitable option for those who prefer a more effortless typing experience, ideal for extended use at work or long gaming sessions. In contrast, the Outemu Brown has a heavier actuation force of 53 grams and a bottom out force of 65 grams, appealing to users who enjoy a more substantial feel with each keystroke. Therefore, if you prefer a lighter switch that allows for faster and less tiring typing, the Light Sakura would be the better choice, while the Brown offers a more robust experience for those who favor a firmer push. Ultimately, the differences in force mean that while both can deliver satisfying results, they cater to distinctly different preferences in typing and gaming styles.
Travel distance
The Bsun Light Sakura linear switch features a travel distance of 3.6 mm, while the Outemu Brown tactile switch has a slightly longer travel distance of 4.0 mm. This means that users of the Light Sakura can expect a more responsive feel, making it a suitable choice for gamers who favor quicker actuation and faster response times. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown, with its traditional 4.0 mm travel distance, offers a more substantial tactile feedback that can be appealing to those who enjoy a deeper keystroke. In this comparison, the shorter travel distance of the Light Sakura makes it ideal for those who prioritize speed, whereas the longer travel distance of the Brown switch caters to users who prefer a more pronounced typing experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Bsun Light Sakura has an MSRP of $4.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Light Sakura for $3.49.
The Outemu Brown comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Bsun Light Sakura switch is engineered for quiet operation, making it an excellent choice for environments where noise matters, such as offices or shared workspaces. Its silent nature ensures that each keystroke is discreet, allowing for focused work without the distraction of typing sounds. The Outemu Brown switch, while it does feature a tactile bump, is not specifically designed to be silent, so it may produce a more noticeable sound with each actuation. This inherent difference will lead to a more pronounced acoustic experience with the Browns, especially if you're typing quickly or heavily. Given the various influencing factors such as the keyboard build and keycap materials, sound can vary greatly regardless of the switch chosen.
In terms of feel, the Bsun Light Sakura is recognized for its ultra-lightweight design, providing a gentle touch that minimizes finger fatigue during prolonged typing sessions. This quality promotes comfort and ease, making it particularly appealing for those who type frequently or for long periods. On the other hand, the Outemu Brown switch offers a tactile bump that gives feedback upon actuation, which many typists appreciate for the sensory feedback it provides. This feedback can enhance typing accuracy and overall satisfaction for those who prefer a tactile response, but it may not be as fatigue-reducing as the Light Sakura's lighter feel.
Overall, if you are seeking a switch with muted sound and a feather-light touch, the Bsun Light Sakura is likely the better choice for comfort and discretion, while the Outemu Brown is better for those who enjoy tactile feedback and don’t mind a slightly louder typing experience. Each switch has its strengths: the Light Sakura is ideal for uninterrupted typing in quiet settings, while the Brown is excellent for those who appreciate tactile sensations. Your choice between these switches will ultimately depend on whether you prioritize silence and comfort or tactile feedback in your typing experience.
Conclusion
To conclude, selecting between the Bsun Light Sakura linear switch and the Outemu Brown tactile switch ultimately depends on your personal preferences and typing environment. If you prioritize a lightweight feel, a quiet operation, and plan to engage in long typing sessions—perhaps in a shared or office space—the Bsun Light Sakura is your go-to choice. Its 43-gram bottom-out force allows for a smooth and fatigue-reducing experience, making it perfect for those who need to type without the worry of disturbing colleagues. On the other hand, if you prefer a more tactile feedback while typing, you should consider the Outemu Brown switch. With a medium-heavy 65-gram bottom-out force, it provides a satisfying tactile bump that can enhance your typing accuracy and provide a clearer sense of engagement with each keypress. This can be especially beneficial for those who enjoy gaming or programming, where feedback is key, and don’t mind a bit more noise. In essence, choose the Light Sakura for comfort and discretion, while opting for the Outemu Brown if you're looking for tactile feedback and a more defined typing experience.
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